Inquests opened into death of couple found in Riddings home

Aerial view of the scene on Valley View Road in Riddings, Derbyshire, where a house was destroyed in a gas explosion earlier today. September 20, 2015. Firefighters and an ambulance crew responded to a major gas explosion in a street in Derbyshire yesterday morning (Sun). See NTI story NTIEXPLOSION. Emergency services were waiting for structural engineers to determine if it was safe enough for them to tackle the blaze. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said they were called to an 'explosion' in a property in Valley View Road, in Riddings, near Alfreton, Derbs at about 7.33am. East Midlands Ambulance Service were also at the scene, supporting the firefighters. Officers suspect there are people inside a damaged property on the street.

Published:16:18Thursday 24 September 2015

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Separate inquests have been opened and adjourned after a married couple were found dead at their burnt-out home in Riddings.

Inquests were opened into the deaths of Simon And Shelley Saxton-Cooper, who died at their home in Valley View Road on Sunday.

On Thursday, Chesterfield Coroners Court that Simon, 50, who worked as a plumber, died as a result of smoke inhalation.

The court heard Shelley, 45, who worked as a telesales operative, died from stab wounds to the chest.

However, toxicology tests are still outstanding.

Both Simon and Shelley were identified by dental records, the court heard.

Anthony Owen, of Derbyshire Police major crime unit, said: “At 7.34am on Sunday a telephone call was received via 999 from a neighbour nearby, asking for police and fire services.

“The neighbour advised that [the house] was on fire and said there were two persons trapped inside.

“Police and fire attended, however it was several hours before they could get inside due to the damage.”

Dr Robert Hunter, senior coroner for Derbyshire, said: “It is my understanding that, in relation to this incident, police are not looking for anybody else?”